ORGANISATIONS across Wales have signed a landmark charter committing to greater openness, transparency, and accountability in their response to public tragedies.

The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in how public bodies engage with bereaved families, ensuring lessons from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath prevent similar experiences for those affected by future tragedies.

Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces, the Welsh Ambulance Service, and fire and rescue services have all pledged to support bereaved families and communities following major incidents. The commitment aims to ensure services are responsive to the needs of those affected before, during, and after such events.

A launch event will take place in Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday (March 18), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who authored the charter as part of his report on lessons from Hillsborough. Survivors and bereaved families from Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena, and Aberfan—just miles from the launch site—will also be present.

Bishop Jones said: “Today, the nation of Wales is leading the way, with over 50 public bodies signing this charter. In doing so, the culture of these organisations is beginning to change, with a renewed commitment to public service and respect for the humanity of those we serve.

“The charter is a promise that, after any future tragedy, no one will be left to navigate their grief alone, nor endure the ‘patronising disposition of unaccountable power.’

“This is a pivotal moment for the nation as we embrace the principles of the charter and pledge to place respect for humanity at the heart of all public service.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, chair of the Joint Emergency Services Group in Wales, emphasised the importance of cooperation in supporting families: “By working together, we can use our collective expertise and resources to provide meaningful support to those in need during times of crisis and beyond.”

South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis highlighted the long-term commitment required: “By signing the charter, each organisation is making a public statement to learn from past tragedies and ensure bereaved families are treated with care and compassion—not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the weeks, months, and years that follow.

“While today is a landmark moment, the real challenge is embedding the charter into our training and culture so that it becomes an integral part of our response to any public tragedy.

“The involvement of the bereaved and survivors has been instrumental in bringing about this significant step forward.”

The Marine Conservation Society’s latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”

How to get involved

Those interested in joining a beach clean or organising their own event can find more details on the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

Background on Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme

In November 2024, the Welsh Government announced its decision to withdraw from the UK-wide DRS and implement its own version. The move follows concerns over the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which regulates trade between the UK nations. The Welsh Government has argued that the UK-wide scheme does not align with Wales’ recycling objectives, particularly regarding the inclusion of glass containers.

For media inquiries: Evie Martin, Media Relations Manager ([email protected] / 07579 814217) Lauren O’Brien, PR & Events Officer ([email protected])

For high-resolution images and the full report, visit the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord, whose vibrant personality and dedication to music left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Baker, who had a rich and varied career spanning cruise ships, radio, and live entertainment, was known for his infectious energy and ability to bring people together. He spent much of his working life at sea, where he served as a Cruise Director, fostering talent and encouraging performers to take the stage. Many have shared their memories of his support for emerging artists and his ability to read a crowd, ensuring that every event he was part of was filled with ‘goooooood times’—a phrase he was known for.

After his time on the high seas, Baker became a familiar voice on the airwaves, joining Herald Radio before later moving to Pure West Radio. His passion for music extended beyond broadcasting, as he briefly ran The Tiddly, a popular pub near Haverfordwest, which became a hub for local musicians and entertainers. The venue, under his leadership, was a space where talent flourished, and many recall fond memories of late-night sessions filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie.

His impact on the local music scene was immense. Baker was instrumental in promoting up-and-coming artists, offering them opportunities to perform at festivals and gigs. Fellow musicians, DJs, and friends have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow at his passing.

Leading the tributes, Baker’s mother, Phyllis Oostermeijer, shared her heartbreak: “It’s with a broken heart I have to share with you that Matt has gone on another journey. I know he will kick his heels up and make everyone happy. That was his life, to bring love and Gooodtimes to all.”

Nick Carey described him as “a true legend” who introduced him to talented people and encouraged everyone to perform. Cruise industry colleague DjFly Gertos paid tribute from Saint John, Antigua, recalling their time working together from 2007 to 2009: “I did not lose a boss, I lost a friend.”

Thomas Jordan, a fellow performer, shared: “He was a hell of a showman, performer, and all-round great guy! I had the absolute privilege of playing alongside him for numerous events with the Travelling Tiddlys band. The Pembrokeshire music scene will not be the same.”

Others have remembered his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for musicians, including Gareth Sanders-Swales, who noted that Baker was one of the few who “gave an 8-year-old drummer a chance to play in his open mic nights.”

His time as a Cruise Director also left a significant mark. Many entertainers credited him with helping them advance their careers. Sonia Wingert, a fellow cruise ship entertainer, recalled how Baker played her album on his radio show and remained a supportive friend over the years. “He always played my album on his radio shows back home, so very kind and thoughtful. My heart is broken to hear he has left us so, so young.”

Friends and colleagues from across the globe have shared tributes, remembering Baker for his warm personality, quick wit, and boundless enthusiasm. Whether performing magic tricks, telling jokes, spinning records, or running a bar, he brought joy to those around him.

Jason Fubar, a close friend, summed up the sentiments of many: “Hard words to write here as one of my very good friends passed away this morning. We’ve spent many a mental night together—cruises, nightclubs, and belly laughs all the way along. A truly talented soul, one that lit up a room when he walked in. So many happy and fun memories with you, brother.”

Matt Baker’s passing leaves a void in the music and entertainment world, but his legacy of uplifting others and creating unforgettable moments will endure. His family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched will remember him as a man who lived to entertain and bring people together.

Rest in peace, Matt Baker.